What to do when crop prices are volatile

Aug 08, 2023

"The crop growing period of market action is sometimes referred to as the ‘silly season’,” says Neil Blue, provincial crops market analyst with the Alberta government. “Dryness in both the Canadian Prairies and U.S. corn/soybean belt plus intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine grain export structures have caused a crop market price rally. Adding in the influences of the speculative trade results in an extremely volatile market. What can a producer do in this situation?"

First, Blue says producers should review their cash flow situation at least 2 or 3 months forward. What farm and personal expenses and what loans will require payments? What amounts from sources of cash inflow, be it product sales, other income, or loans will be available?

"The federal Advance Payments Program (APP) is a loan source to consider for cash flow needs,” says Blue. “Using farm commodities as security, the APP can potentially provide up to $1 million as an advance, with the first $350,000 of the advance interest free during this year. With a current chartered bank prime interest rate of 7.2%, the interest savings of accessing the APP advance can be significant."

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.